Brotherly Love

Tonight, Josh took Sam to the movies. Benjamin didn't go because Benjamin doesn't like going to the movies. Getting ready for bed was easy, but going to sleep proved to be a bit harder. As Benjamin climbed into bed, the tears started to flow.

M: Benj, what's wrong.
B: I can't sleep without Sam.
M: But you are always saying you want your own room, now's your chance.
B: I don't think I can do it.
M: Just close your eyes and go to sleep.
B: Sam's a really good brother and I can't be happy when he's not here. I miss Sam.

Brothers and friends -- what more could a mom ask for?

Resume of a Two Year Old

Name: Nicholas White
Life Skills:

• Climbs Anything
• Finds a permanent marker anywhere in the house
• Uses said permanent marker to draw on the table and the windowsill
• Throws plastic toys into the hot oven
• Can tell the second the door is open and always makes a run for it
• Can undress in a matter of seconds
• Uses words like "My favorite!" to get what he wants
• Says things are "pretty cool" when he's trying to down play excitement
• Loves to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, but doesn't like others to join in
• Favorite foods are gum, candy, chocolate, fruit roll-ups and chips (yum . . . )
• Has favorite episodes of Blue's Clues that he watches over and OVER
• Loves to color, and although he knows to only color on paper, he regards walls, furniture and clothing as paper
  
• Dumps out entire containers of crickets, cricket food and gecko vitamins for Sam's pet gecko (not all at once, thank goodness -- but not only once either!)
• Can make anyone laugh!
  
  
  
  There seems to be very little Nicholas can't do -- but here are a few things:
  Can't climb out of his bed
  Can't keep his pajamas on at night
  Can't keep his hands off cell phones
  Can't stop being so adorable despite the fact that he makes me absolutely crazy!!
  
  Happy 2nd birthday Nicholas! We love you!!!
  
  

A stroke of luck

On a whim, I decided to give the boys a small something every day leading up to Christmas. I raided the dollar bin at Target and decided to call my little endeavor the "Christmas Elf."

Day one -- Saturday, I left some candy on the counter in the bathroom with a note from the Christmas Elf. The boys went CRAZY! Sam, clever as always, left me a note in my bathroom with a picture. It said, "To mom. Merry Christmas from the Christmas Elf." I excitedly told the boys that the Christmas Elf had left me something too. Sam seemed perplexed about my excitement. He thought his note would be a way to let me know that he knew I was the culprit. No luck!

Day two -- The Christmas elf left something on the kitchen counter for the boys. My elf in turn made some ornaments out of pipe cleaners for me, which I quickly stuck on the tree. (the boys glowed with pride at this gesture.) Benjamin wrote a thank-you note to the Christmas elf.

Day three -- I decided to mix things up a bit and do a service instead of give a treat. Luckily for me, the boys are slobs! So their room became my target. When I was finished, I stuck this poem to their door:

Sam and Benjamin

I went to your room to leave a surprise,
but when I saw the mess, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Toys and blankets, books and more,
all thrown about, tossed down on the floor.

So I decided to do you a favor,
And when you see why, you can thank me later.

It’s hard for Santa to leave more toys
In a house with a couple of messy boys.

Santa likes to see boys who take care of their stuff,
But I know cleaning can sometimes be tough.

So I cleaned up your room as your surprise for the day,
I made your beds and put your toys away.

I hope this will help you keep everything clean.
Cause Santa’s coming soon (and you know what that means!)

If you want to have some new toys under the tree,
see what I did and learn a lesson from me.

Keep your room clean, keep it tidy and neat,
And I promise that Santa will bring an extra special Christmas treat!

Love,
The Christmas Elf
22 days to go!

When the boys got home from school, they were a little disappointed to not find a treat. However, they were quick to point out the last line about the extra special treat. And I got a drawing of some Christmas stockings from my little elves.

Day four -- on the way home from school, Sam asked what the Christmas elf left. I told him I didn't think there was anything yet. He said, "AHA! I knew it was you!" I told him I didn't know what he was talking about. While they were playing outside, I left a little treat on their beds with a note that said, "Thanks for keeping your room clean. Love, the Christmas Elf" We went to run a quick errand, and when we came back Sam found the treat. He came running out of his room screaming (no kidding, screaming) "The Christmas elf is REAL!" I didn't get anything from my elf today -- but their room is still clean, so that is gift enough.

It's only been 4 days, and Sam and Benjamin talk like we've been doing this for years! It's fun to surprise them, I think I may continue it for years.

Thanks to an idea from the Sprague Lab Blog, we also started doing nightly family activities. I typed up a list of Christmas activities and put it in a jar. Each night we draw an idea from the jar. We made microwave s'mores, watched a Christmas movie, and tomorrow night we are going to plan a family vacation. Benjamin asked if we can do this all year. Maybe not nightly, but weekly isn't bad. . . .

Did I mention that I love Christmas?

Have you Elfed Yourself?

Have some fun -- get into the Christmas spirit!

Click Here to watch the White Family Elves!

Thanks Claudia!!

Meet the Future
Mr. and Mrs. Miles Collingwood

My good friend Michalann drove down last week to continue in our long tradition of craft days. And she brought her cute baby, who is just 2 weeks older than Eliana. Naturally we had to betroth them (did I say that right?) From the pictures, it looks like Eliana wasn't too sure about the match at first. But then she warmed up and grabbed cute Miles' hand -- so I guess it's safe to assume we have her blessing.

30 Days of handmade Gifts.

This blog is too good to keep to myself!



One of my favorites so far is this shirt dress.

Enjoy!

Traditions

For the past four years, we've been going to the same spot to take family pictures for our Christmas cards. We chose the spot because it was close, but now it's become a little tradition. This year, we didn't even consider any other place. And the boys were actually excited to go to our "favorite" spot.

I love the idea of family traditions. The funny thing is that the ideas that I've carefully planned and tried to craft into traditions always kind of fizzle out. But the things that happen by chance, like family pictures and Family Movie Night Fridays seem to stick. I can't complain. . .

Here are our past four years of Christmas Pictures:

2004

2005

2006

2007

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Nicholas

The closer we get to Nicholas 2nd birthday, the closer he gets to the textbook definition of the terrible twos. Here are a handful of phrases that spice up my day.

The Good Nicholas:
"Can I try it?" (I love this one because he always wants to try new food)

"Mommy, look at me! See what Nicholas can do." (He is always doing silly things, like walking on all fours, just to make people laugh.)

"Eliana crying. Need Binky" (This is usually accompanied by a hug)

"Mommy be careful for Nicholas." (He's recently started saying this while I'm driving. I think Josh put him up to it.)

"Can I see it?" (He says this whenever the boys are playing with something. I think it's his way of asking to be included.)

"Oh my favorite!" (He said this at the school book fair as he was running from book to book.)

"Nicholas don't like it." (This may sound like a bad phrase, but he's always polite when he says it, so it goes in the good list.)


Here is where the Mr. Hyde comes out.
(*Note: to get the full effect, all these phrases should be read screaming, with eyes glared and arms folded across chest)
M: Nicholas get off the counter. You're going to fall!
N: "I don't care!"

M: Put your clothes back on.
N: "I not going to!"

M: Nicholas, give Sammy back his book.
N: "Back off!"

M: Nicholas, we need to change your diaper so we can go to the store.
N: "I not going anywhere!"

M: Let's brush your teeth.
N: "Nicholas don't want to!"

M: Mommy needs to wash the apple before you eat it.
N: "Nicholas do it now!"

M: Nicholas, you know you aren't supposed to be in Daddy's office.
N: "Leave me 'lone!"

And if all else fails, he pulls out the big one -- "NO! NO! NO! NO!"

I've been through this twice before, so it should come as no surprise. I was hoping that we would skip this phase. At least I can say that my days are always action packed and full of interesting conversations!

Hooray! I'm 3 months old!

Say Cheese Ellie!

p.s. It's true what they say -- having 4 kids isn't any harder than 3. Maybe it's simply because you can be honest with yourself on four points -- 1) Your house is never going to be clean, 2) Your hair is never going to be brushed, 3) You laundry will NEVER end, and 4) You look at your beautiful kids and finally realize that none of that matters.

Halloween's Over? Not at Our House!

Halloween is the holiday that never ends. This year, Sam and Benjamin dressed up as Star Wars Characters . . .and the costumes continue to be worn on a regular basis. I guess the positive me is glad we are getting our money's worth. The negative me wishes the costumes would go to a galaxy far far away because when my boys play Star Wars, they immerse themselves COMPLETELY in that world and sometimes it's nice to have normal kids running around.




Nicholas didn't dress up. We couldn't pay him to put on a costume. And he wasn't too sure about talking to people he didn't know. But that uncertainty ended when the first handful of candy was dropped into his pumpkin. He saw the candy and said, "OH suckers, my favorite. Thank you so much!" He kept sneaking candy all night long. When we got home, his pumpkin was filled with half eaten candy and empty wrappers. So he now understands the importance of Halloween for kids. This morning, he said "Guess what mom. Saturday is Halloween. Nicholas get more candy. Ok? Ok -- do that." Now that's what I call the power of positive thinking.

And Eliana, well she just went as the cutest girl ever.

Quote of the Day

"I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves"

--Anna Quindlen

Benjamin and soccer

Benjamin saw the pictures of Sam and wanted to know why there weren't pictures of him. So here, "Benjamin-everything-has-to-be-equal-boy", are your pictures (with my added commentary)

Here is Benjamin kicking the ball. This kid has a powerful kick -- he can make a goal kicking from center field.


Here is Benjamin guarding the goal. He's all about team spirit -- right now he's cheering his team on.


Here is Benjamin so distracted by cheering his team on that he forgets to guard the goal (no goal was made by the other team . . . lucky Benjamin).


Here is Benjamin watching from the sidelines. Unlike Sam who wanders off to play when he's out, Benjamin stays close just in case he gets put back in.


Here's Benjamin -- he's still developing his soccer prowess, but he brings a lot of heart and soul to his game. Great season Benjamin!

Quick Weekend

Josh's dad came for a visit this weekend. We took him to the Texas Ranger Museum (which is a great museum for boys because they have guns and guns and guns). Grandpa got to see both of the boys play soccer. We also blessed Eliana. It was a fast, busy weekend.

I love living in Texas, I really do. But I'm always reminded of how far away we are when family comes to visit. I'm sad that my kids are missing precious time with their Grandparents and other family. We've been very lucky this summer to have had so many visitors. And I'm really grateful for good friends here that act as surrogate family!

Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Sam and Soccer

Sam has been playing soccer for years now, and he loves it. When he and Josh play in the backyard, they have a blast. But whenever Sam's been on a team, he doesn't seem to play with the same passion. Maybe it's because Sam likes to be in charge, so that makes being on a team hard. Or maybe it's because Sam's a perfectionist and doesn't like to loose. Whatever the reason, this year has been different. Sam has really become a soccer player. He goes after the ball with a vengeance. He's not afraid to push his way in to get after the ball. He's even scored a few goals, and had SEVERAL near goals. He doesn't get mad if his team looses, or if he doesn't make a goal. After the game, he just talks about how fun it was to play and what good things his teammates did that game. It is a very welcome change.

I love having little kids. But I am also excited to see the changes in my kids as they get older. Seeing Sam play soccer this year has been fun because he's no longer little Sammy . . . now he's just our Sam.


Here are some pictures from the last game. When I talk about Sam attacking the ball with a vengeance -- he just shot this one clear into the air!

B-e-n-j-a-m-i-n spells trouble!

Our Benjamin has always been sweet and very, very loving. He's always giving hugs and saying "I love you." And that's always been a good thing. But now . . . Benjamin has a girlfriend. The first 9 weeks of school aren't even over and my 5 year old has a girlfriend! He talks about "M" all the time, and goes over to her house to play. They have nick name for each other -- Benjamin is Pineapple and "M" is coconut. I've also been told by several kids in the neighborhood that Benjamin and "M" hold hands at recess. When I asked Benj about it, he smiled and said they were just playing.

Personally, I think it is pretty cute. But I have to admit that it makes me nervous for the future. I mean, if he's already passed the "girls are gross" phase -- what are we in for?

Why I love Nicholas

Nicholas is just 2 months shy of turning 2. And lately, he's been showing symptoms of the terrible twos, The Terrible Twos Nicholas style. Here are some things that have given me a good laugh.

I caught Nicholas up on the counter eating cookies. I said, "Nicholas! What are you doing?" He looked at me, then at the cookie in his hand. Then he said, "Who wants cookies? I do!" And shoved the whole cookie in his mouth.

Nicholas speaks in what we refer to as "yoda". He says things like, "Try it, cereal" or "Ride it, car" or my favorite "Climb it, Sammy's bed".

No matter what you are eating, Nicholas will want a bite. Eating an apple? He'll come up and say "Eat it apple, Nicholas." And if you say no, he'll become demon Nicholas and say "EAT IT APPLE NICHOLAS NOW!" I know that we shouldn't give in at that point. But his giant eyes become even bigger, and his voice becomes deep and raspy, and his body becomes all tense. And it's just too funny to not give in.

At the grocery store, Nicholas always thanks the cashier. As soon as I get the receipt, Nicholas says "Thank you so much!"

The kid is addicted to gum. We never let Sam or Benjamin have gum until they were 3 or 4. Nicholas has been chewing gum for at least 6 months. The second he sees gum, he has to have it. And he chews it for 10 minutes tops, then puts it in the sink and looks for another piece. (he's the same with chocolate!)

He thinks getting mail is the best part of the day -- I blame Blue's Clues. Nicholas gets to open all the junk mail. My favorite part is that he sings the "We just got a letter" song as he opens the mail. And if there is no junk mail, Nicholas gets sad and asks "Where's the letter from my friends?"

Nicholas is very independent. He wants to do everything himself. All day long, I hear "No Nicholas do it!" He wants to read the stories at nap time, he wants to buckle his car seat himself, he wants to put the dishes away himself, he wants to brush his teeth himself. And if he doesn't get the chance to do it himself first, Demon Nicholas comes out.

And my favorite thing about Nicholas lately is that he loves Eliana. He is always finding her a binky, or sharing his. He gets her blankets. He sings to her. He brings her toys. And he gives her hugs. But the best part about him hugging her is he always closes his eyes -- like hugging his baby sister is the best thing in the world.

Name Change

I guess I should change the name of the blog to "Eliana's Photo Shoot". I promise there are other people that live here. But most of them are boys and too messy and/or dirty to be photographed at my leisure. Photo sessions with boys have to be planned (usually to take place right after a bath). But photo sessions with a cute baby girl can happen whenever she isn't crying.

Ok, that's not true. If I waited till she wasn't crying, there wouldn't be any pictures of her. We have been blessed with a crier. As Josh generalized, "Girls cry more than boys." At least in our family they do. But in spite of the 12.72 hours a day she spends in some form of distress, she is fun to dress up and take pictures of.

Enjoy pictures of the brief moment of her silence!